Confessio
Fraternitatis or
The Confession of the Laudable Fraternity of the Most
Honorable Order of the Rosy Cross, Written to All the Learned of
Europe (1)
Whatsoever is published, and made known to everyone, concerning our
Fraternity, by the foresaid Fama, let no man esteem lightly of it,
nor hold it as an idle or invented thing, and much less receive the
same, as though it were only a mere conceit of ours.(2)
It is the Lord Jehovah (who seeing the Lord's Sabbath is almost at
hand, and hastened again, his period or course being finished, to
his first beginning) doth turn about the course of Nature; and what
heretofore hath been sought with great pains, and daily labour, is
now manifested unto those who make small account, or scarcely once
think upon it; but those which desire it, it is in a manner forced
and thrust upon them, (3)
that thereby the life of the godly may be eased of all their toil
and labour, and be no more subject to the storms of inconstant
Fortune; but the wickedness of the ungodly thereby, with their due
and deserved punishment, be augmented and multiplied.
Although we cannot be by any suspected of the least heresy, or of
any wicked beginning, or purpose against the worldly government, we
do condemn the East and the West (meaning the Pope and
Mahomet) blasphemers against our Lord Jesus Christ, and
offer and present with a good will to the chief head of the Roman
Empire our prayers, secrets, and great treasures of gold.(4)
Yet we have thought good, and fit for the learned's sakes, to add
somewhat more to this, and make a better explanation if there be
anything too deep, hidden, and set down over dark in the Fama, or
for certain reasons were altogether omitted, and left out;
(5)
hoping herewith the learned will be more addicted unto us, and be
made far more fit and willing for our purpose.
Concerning the alteration and amendment of Philosophy, we have (as
much as at this present is needful) sufficiently declared, to wit,
that the same is altogether weak and faulty; yet we doubt not,
(6)
although the most part falsely do allege that she (I know not how)
is sound and strong, yet notwithstanding she fetches her last breath
and is departing.
But as commonly, even in the same place or country where there
breaketh forth a new and unaccustomed disease, Nature also there
discovereth a medicine against the same; so there doth appear for so
manifold infirmities of Philosophy the right means, and unto our
Patria sufficiently offered, whereby she may become sound again,
which is now to be renewed and altogether new.(7)
No other Philosophy we have, than that which is the head and sum,
the foundations and contents of all faculties, sciences, and arts,
the which (if we well behold our age) containeth much of Theology
and medicine, but little of the wisdom of the law, and doth
diligently search both heaven and earth: or, to speak briefly
thereof; which doth manifest and declare sufficiently Man,
(8)
whereof all learned who will make themselves known unto us, and come
into our brotherhood, shall find more wonderful secrets by us than
heretofore they did attain unto, and did know, or are able to
believe or utter.
Wherefore, to declare briefly our meaning hereof, we ought to labour
carefully that there be not only a wondering at our meeting and
adhortation, but that likewise everyone may know, that although we
do not lightly esteem and regard such mysteries and secrets, we
nevertheless hold it fit, that the knowledge thereof be manifested
and revealed to many. (9)
For it is to be taught and believed, that this our unhoped [for],
willing offer will raise many and divers thoughts in men, unto whom
(as yet) be unknown Miranda sexta aetatis, or those which by reason
of the course of the world, esteem the things to come like unto the
present, and are hindered through all manner of importunities of
this our time, so that they live no otherwise in the world, than
blind fools, who can, in the clear sunshine day discern and know
nothing, than only by feeling.
Now concerning the first part, we hold this, that the mediations,
knowledge and inventions of our loving Christian Father (10)
(of all that, which from the beginning of the world, Man's wisdom,
either through God's revelation, or through the service of the
angels and spirits, or through the sharpness and depth of
understanding, or through long observation, use, and experience,
bath found out, invented, brought forth, corrected, and till now
bath been propagated and transplanted) are so excellent, worthy and
great, that if all books should perish, and by God's almighty
sufferance, all writings and all learnings should be lost, yet the
posterity will be able only thereby to lay a new foundation, and
bring truth to light again; (11)
the which perhaps would not be so hard to do as if one should begin
to pull down and destroy the old ruinous building, and then to
enlarge the fore court, afterwards bring lights in the lodgings, and
then change the doors, stair, and other things according to our
intention.
But to whom would not this be acceptable, for to be manifested to
everyone rather than to have it kept and spared, as an especial
ornament for the appointed time to come? (12)
Wherefore should we not with all our hearts rest and remain in the
only truth (which men through so many erroneous and crooked ways do
seek) if it had only pleased God to lighten unto us the sixth
Candelabrium? (13)
Were it not good that we needed not to care, not to fear hunger,
poverty, sickness and age?
Were it not a precious thing, that you could always live so, as if
you had lived from the beginning of the world, and, moreover, as you
should still live to the end thereof? Were it not excellent you
dwell in one place, that neither the people which dwell beyond the
River Ganges in the Indies could hide anything, nor those which live
in Peru might be able to keep secret their counsels from thee?
Were it not a precious thing, that you could so read in one only
book, and withal by reading understand and remember, all that which
in all other books (which heretofore have been, and are now, and
hereafter shall come out) hath been, is, and shall he learned and
found out of them?
How pleasant were it, that you could so sing, that instead of stony
rocks you could draw the pearls and precious stones, (14)
instead of wild beasts, spirits, and instead of hellish Pluto, move
the mighty princes of the world.
O ye people, God's counsel is far otherwise, (15)
who hath concluded now to increase and enlarge the number of our
Fraternity, the which we with such joy have undertaken, as we have
heretofore obtained this great treasure without our merits, yea
without our hopes, and thoughts, and purpose with the like fidelity
to put the same in practise, that neither the compassion nor pity of
our own children (which some of us in the Fraternity have) shall
draw us from it, because we know these unhoped for goods cannot be
inherited, nor by chance be obtained.
If there be some body now, which on the other side will complain of
our discretion, that we offer our treasures so freely, and without
any difference to all men, and do not rather regard and respect more
the godly, learned, wise, or princely persons, than the common
people; those we do not contradict, (16)
seeing it is not a slight and easy matter; but withal we signify so
much, that our Arcana or secrets will no ways be common, and
generally made known. Although the Fama be set forth in five
languages, and is manifested to everyone, yet we do partly very well
know that the unlearned and gross wits will not receive nor regard
the same; (17)
as also the worthiness of those who shall be accepted into our
Fraternity are not esteemed and known of us by Man's carefulness,
(18)
but by the Rule of our Revelation and Manifestation. Wherefore if
the unworthy cry and call a thousand times, or if they shall offer
and present themselves to us a thousand times, yea God hath
commanded our ears, that they should hear none of them: yea God hath
so compassed us about with his clouds, that unto us his servants no
violence or force can be done or committed; wherefore we neither can
be seen or known by anybody, except he had the eyes of an eagle. It
hath been necessary that the Fama should be set forth in everyone's
mother tongue, because those should not be defrauded of the
knowledge thereof, whom (although they be unlearned) God hath not
excluded from the happiness of this Fraternity, the which shall be
divided and parted into certain degrees; as those which dwell in the
city of Damcar (*) in Arabia, who have a far different politick
order from the other Arabians. For there do govern only wise and
understanding men, who by the king's permission make particular
laws; according unto which example also the government shall be
instituted in Europe (whereof we have a description set down by our
Christianly Father) (19)
when first is done and come to pass that which is to precede. And
thenceforth our Trumpet shall publicly sound with a loud sound, and
great noise, (20)
when namely the same (which at this present is shown by few, and is
secretly, as a thing to come, declared in figures and pictures)
shall be free and publicly proclaimed, and the whole world shall be
filled withal. Even in such manner as heretofore, many godly people
have secretly and altogether desperately pushed at the Pope's
tyranny, which afterwards, with great, earnest, and especial zeal in
Germany, was thrown from his seat, and trodden underfoot, whose
final fall is delayed, and kept for our times, when he also shall be
scratched in pieces with nails, and an end be made of his ass's cry,
by a new voice; (21)
The which we know is already reasonably manifest and known to many
learned men in Germany, as their writings and secret congratulations
do sufficiently witness the same.
We could here relate and declare what all the time, from the year of
Our Lord 1378 (in which year our Christian Father was born) till
now, hath happened, where we might rehearse what alterations he hath
seen in the world these one hundred and six years of his life, which
he hath left to our brethren and us after his decease to peruse. But
brevity, which we do observe, will not permit at this present to
make rehearsal of it, till a more fit time. (22)
At this time it is enough for those which do not despise our
declaration, haying therefore briefly touched it, thereby to prepare
the way for their acquaintance and friendship with us. (23)
Yet to whom it is permitted that he may see, and for his instruction
use, those great letters and characters which the Lord God hath
written and imprinted in heaven and earth's edifice, through the
alteration of government, which hath been from time to time altered
and renewed, (24)
the same is already (although as yet unknown to himself) ours. And
as we know he will not despise our inviting and calling, so none
shall fear any deceit, for we promise and openly say, that no man's
uprightness and hopes shall deceive him, whosoever shall make
himself known unto us under the seal of secrecy, and desire our
Fraternity.
But to the false hypocrites, and to those that seek other things
than wisdom, we say and witness by these presents publicly, we
cannot be made known, and be betrayed unto them; and much less they
shall be able to hurt as any manner of way without the will of God;
(25)
but they shall certainly be partakers of all the punishment spoken
of in our Fama; so their wicked counsels shall light upon
themselves, and our treasures shall remain untouched and unstirred,
until the Lion doth come, who will ask them for his use, (26)
and employ them for the confirmation and establishment of his
kingdom. We ought therefore here to observe well, and make it known
unto everyone, that God hath certainly and most assuredly concluded
to send and grant to the world before her end, which presently
thereupon shall ensue, such a truth, light, life and glory, as the
first man Adam had, which he lost in Paradise, after which his
successors were put and driven, with him, to misery wherefore there
shall cease all servitude, falsehood, lies, and darkness, which by
little and little, with the great world's revolution, was crept into
all arts, works, and governments of men, and have darkened the most
part of them. For from thence are proceeded an innumerable sort of
all manner of false opinions and heresies, that scarce the wisest of
all was able to know whose doctrine and opinion he should follow and
embrace, and could not well and easily be discerned; seeing on the
one part they were detained, hindered, and brought into errors
through the respect of the philosophers and learned men, and on the
other part through true experience. (27)
All the which, when it shall once be abolished and removed, and
instead thereof a right and true rule instituted, (28)
then there will remain thanks unto them which have taken pains
therein. But the work itself shall be attributed to the blessedness
of our age.
As we now willingly confess, that many principal men by their
writings will be a great furtherance unto this Reformation which is
to come; so we desire not to have this honour ascribed to us, as if
such work were only commanded and imposed upon us. But we confess,
and witness openly with the Lord Jesus Christ, that it shall first
happen that the stones shall arise, and offer their service, before
there shall be any want of executors and accomplishers of God's
counsel; yea, the Lord God hath already sent before certain
messengers, which should testify his will, to wit, some new Stars,
which do appear and are seen in the firmament in Serpentano and
Cygno, which signify and give themselves known to everyone, that
they are powerful Signacula of great weighty matters." So then, the
secret hid writings and characters are most necessary for all such
things which are found out by men. (29)
Although that great book of nature stands open to all men, yet there
are but few that can read and understand the same. For as there is
given to man two instruments to hear, likewise two to see, and two
to smell, but only one to speak, and it were but vain to expect
speech from the ears, or hearing from the eyes. So there hath been
ages or times which have seen, there have also been ages that have
heard, smelt, and tasted. Now there remains yet that which in short
time,
(30)
honour shall be likewise given to the tongue, and by the same; what
before times hath been seen, heard, and smelt, now finally shall be
spoken and uttered forth, when the World shall awake out of her
heavy and drowsy sleep, (31)
and with an open heart, bare-head, and bare-foot, shall merrily and
joyfully meet the new arising Sun.
These characters and letters, as God hath here and there
incorporated them in the Holy Scriptures, the Bible, so hath he
imprinted them most apparently into the wonderful creation of heaven
and earth, yea in all beasts. So that like as the mathematician and
astronomer can long before see and know the eclipses which are to
come, so we may verily foreknow and foresee the darkness of
obscurations of the church, and how long they shall last. From the
which characters or letters we have borrowed our magic writing, and
have found out, and made, a new language for ourselves, in the which
withall is expressed and declared the nature of all things. So that
it is no wonder that we are not so eloquent in other languages,
(32)
the which we know that they are altogether disagreeing to the
language of our forefathers, Adam and Enoch, and were through the
Babylonical confusion wholly hidden.
But we must also let you understand that there are yet some Eagles'
Feathers in our way, the which do hinder our purpose. Wherefore we
do admonish everyone for to read diligently and continually the Holy
Bible, for he that taketh all his pleasures therein, he shall know
that he prepared for himself an excellent way to come to our
Fraternity. For as this is the whole sum and content of our rule,
that every letter or character which is in the world ought to be
learned and regarded well; so those are like unto us, and are very
near allied unto us, who do make the Holy Bible a rule of their
life, and an aim and end of all their studies: yea to let it be a
compendium and content of the whole world. And not only to have it
continually in the mouth, but to know how to apply and direct the
true understanding of into all times and ages of the world. Also, it
is not our custom to prostitute and make so common the Holy
Scriptures; (33)
for there are innumerable expounders of the same; some alleging and
wresting it to serve for their opinion, some to scandal it, and most
wickedly do liken it to a nose of wax, which alike should serve the
divines, philosophers, physicians, and mathematicians, against all
the which we do openly witness and acknowledge, that from the
beginning of the world there hath not been given 'Into men a more
worthy, a more excellent, and more admirable and wholesome Book than
the Holy Bible. Blessed is he that hath the same, yet more blessed
is he who reads it diligently, but most blessed of all is he that
truly understand eth the same, for he is most like to God, and doth
come most near to him. (34)
But whatsoever hath been said in the Fama concerning the deceivers
against the transmutation of metals, (35)
and the highest medicine in the world, the same is thus to be
understood, that this so great gift of God we do in no manner set at
naught, or despise it. But because she bringeth not with her always
the knowledge of Nature, but this bringeth forth not only medicine,
but also maketh manifest and open unto us innumerable secrets and
wonders. Therefore it is requisite, that we be earnest to attain to
the understanding and knowledge of philosophy. And moreover,
excellent wits ought not to be drawn to the tincture of metals,
before they be exercised well in the knowledge of Nature. He must
needs be an insatiable creature, who is come so far, that neither
poverty nor sickness can hurt him, yea, who is exalted above all
other men, and hath rule over that, the which doth anguish, trouble
and pain others, yet will give himself again to idle things, as to
build houses, make wars, and use all manner of pride, because he
hath gold and silver infinite store.
God is far otherwise pleased, for he exalteth the lowly, and pulleth
down the proud with disdain; to those which are of few words, he
sendeth his holy Angel to speak with them, but the unclean babblers
he driveth in the wilderness and solitary places. The which is the
right reward of the Romish seducers, (36)
who have vomited forth their blasphemies against Christ, and as yet
do not abstain from their lies in this clear shining light. In
Germany all their abominations and detestable tricks have been
disclosed, (37)
that thereby he may fully fulfil the measure of sin, and draw near
to the end of his punishment. Therefore one day it will come to
pass, that the mouth of those vipers will be stopped and the three
double horn will be brought to nought, (38)
as thereof at our meeting shall more plain and at large be
discoursed.
For conclusion of our Confession, we must earnestly admonish you,
that you put away, if not all, yet the most books written by false
Alchemists, who do think it but a jest, or a pastime, when they
either misuse the Holy Trinity, when they do apply it to vain
things, or deceive the people with most strange figures, and dark
sentences and speeches, and cozen the simple of their money; as
there are nowadays too many such books set forth, (39)
which the Enemy of man's welfare doth daily, and will to the end,
mingle among the good seed, thereby to make the Truth more difficult
to be believed, which in herself is simple, easy, and naked, but
contrarily Falsehood is proud, haughty, and coloured with a kind of
lustre of seeming godly and of humane wisdom. Ye that are wise
eschew such books, and turn unto us, who seek not your moneys, but
offer unto you most willingly our great treasures. We hunt not after
your goods with invented lying tinctures, but desire to make you
partakers of our goods. We speak unto you by parables, (40)
but would willingly bring you to the right, simple, easy and
ingenuous exposition, understanding, declaration, and knowledge of
all secrets. We desire not to be received of you, but invite you
unto our more than kingly houses and palaces, and that verily not by
our own proper motion, but (that you likewise may know it) as forced
unto it, by the instigation of the Spirit of God, by his
admonitions, and by the occasion of this present time. (41)
What think you, loving people, and how seem you affected, seeing
that you now understand and know, that we acknowledge ourselves
truly and sincerely to profess Christ, condemn the Pope, addict
ourselves to the true Philosophy, lead a Christian life, (42)
and daily call, entreat and invite many more unto our Fraternity,
unto whom the same Light of God likewise appeareth? Consider you not
at length how you might begin with us, not only by pondering the
Gifts which are in you, and by experience which you have in the word
of God, beside the careful consideration of the imperfection of all
arts, and many other unfitting things, to seek for an amendment
therein; to appease God, and to accommodate you for the time wherein
you live. (43)
Certainly if you will perform the same, this profit will follow,
that all those goods which Nature hath in all parts of the world
wonderfully dispersed, shall at one time altogether be given unto
you, and shall easily disburden you of all that which obscureth the
understanding of man, and hindereth the working thereof, like unto
the vain eccentrics and epicycles. (44)
But those pragmatical and busy-headed men, (45)
who either are blinded with the glittering of gold, or (to say more
truly) who are now honest, but by thinking such great riches should
never fail, might easily be corrupted, (46)
and brought to idleness, and to riotous proud living, those we
desire that they would not trouble us with their idle and vain
crying.
(47)
But let them think, that although there be a medicine to be had
which. might fully cure all diseases, nevertheless those whom God
hath destined to plague with diseases, and to keep under the rod of
correction, such shall never obtain any such medicine.
Even in such manner, although we might enrich the whole world, and
endue them with learning, and might release it from innumerable
miseries, yet shall we never be manifested and made known unto any
man, without the especial pleasure of God; yea, it shall be so far
from him whosoever thinks to get the benefit and be partaker of our
riches and knowledge, without and against the will of God, that he
shall sooner lose his life in seeking and searching for us, than to
find us, and attain to come to the wished happiness of the
Fraternity of the Rosy Cross.
(1) The Latin text
is divided into fourteen chapters. The Latin Title runs "Confessio
R.C. ad Eruditos Europae."
(2) Latin: "Whatsoever you have heard, Mortals through the blast
of the Fama R.C. concerning our Fraternity, you should not
attribute to chance, or suspect to be our design."
(3) Latin: "And what heretofore hath been sought in vain with
great pains and unwearied labour, He now manifests to those who
never thought upon such things, nay, offers to the violent and
forces upon the unwilling."
(4) Latin: "Although our institution, through which we execute
the will of our excellent Father, we think has been sufficiently
declared unto you in the Fama; nor can we be suspected of any
heresy, etc."
(5) Latin: "or for certain reasons were not to be expressed in
the other languages." The reference is to the five languages in
which the Fama was said to be published."
(6) Latin: "Yea, we doubt not…"
(7) Latin: "The only right means and those such as are suitable
to our Patria, whereby she may become sound again and appear
anew, or rather renewed, for the renovation of the earth."
(8) Latin: "Man alone, the Microcosm; concerning whom the more
modest of the Learned, if any there be, who will appear at our
fraternal invitation, shall find, etc."
(9) Latin: "To labour carefully that there be no cause for
wonder at our adhortation, and that all may agree that such
great secrets are not profaned by us, but that it is fitting
that the rumour of them shall be spread among many. For it is
not absurd that many should be overwhelmed by a conflict of
opinion at this unhoped-for opportunity of ours."
(10) Frankfort, 1617, here reads "Our beloved father Christian."
(11) "and to build up again a new Castle or Fortress of Truth."
(12) Latin: "How therefore can such things be despised by us; as
if they were given for us only to know and not rather for the
adornment of the age?"
(13) Latin: "If God had been pleased to light the Sixth
Candelabrum for us alone? Were it not sufficient for us, that we
needed not to fear hunger, etc." Throughout this passage the
sense has been obscured both in the German and English (by the
failure to give to the Latin "Nobis" its force. The argument is:
we ought so to labour that none may wonder at our summons or
think we profane secrets. How pleasant would it be for us, the
Fratres R.C., alone; but oh Mortals, far otherwise is God's
design and your opportunity."
(14) "You could draw to yourself pearls and precious stones."
(15) Latin: "Far otherwise, O Mortals, is God's Counsel and your
opportunity."
(16) Latin: We are not angry with such persons, for the charge
is not without weight."
(17) Latin: "Our Secrets will not be made public, however much
in five languages they echo around the ears of the vulgar."
(18) Latin: "esteemed by us according to the extent of their
curiosity."
(*) Damascus.
(19) "Shall be instituted by us in Europe."
(20) Latin: "and with no ambiguities of language."
(21) Frankfort, 1617, reads "by the new voice of a roaring
Lion."
(22) "A more fitting opportunity may occur and then it shall be
done."
(23) "a closer union and friendship with us."
(24) "and which He hath renewed for us throughout all changes of
Governments."
(25) "We cannot be betrayed to our hurt nor even can we be
constrained, unless God will it."
(26) Latin: "ask for them in his own right for himself."
(27) Latin: "while they were drawn to one side by the Fame of
Philosophers and to the other by the truths of experience." This
seems to be a direct reference to the Fama.
(28) Latin: "and instead thereof, as we trust will happen."
(29) Latin: "Powerful signacula of the Great Design, which can
teach how God makes these, together with the discoveries of
human minds, serve the purpose of His hidden scriptures." The
new star in Cygnus appeared in 1602, that in Serpentarius in
1604; On the 'new stars' see Johannes Kepler, De Stella Nova in
pede Serpentarii, with a supplement De Stella incognita Cygni,
Prague, 1606. Since the new stars appeared in 1604, the
reference to them here again emphasizes the date 1604 as
significant. This is the year in which Rosencruetz's tomb is
supposed to have been discovered.
(30) "with time shortened and drawing to its end."
(31) "shall have slept out the drunkenness of the cup of poison
and slumber."
(32) Latin: "that we are less delicate in other languages and in
this Latin."
(33) "And so to accustom themselves, that they do not have it
continually in the mouths on all unnecessary occasions, but that
they may know how to apply, etc.; because it is not our custom
to prostitute the Holy Scriptures."
(34) Latin: "Blessed is he who hath it, more blessed he who
reads it, most blessed is he who learns it, but he who
understands and observes it, is most like unto God."
(35) "hath been said by us, in our abhorance of Impostors,
against the Transmutation of Metals." That is, against false
alchemists.
(36) Latin: "Of the Roman Impostor, who hath, etc."
(37) "this clear shining light by which in Germany all his
caverns and subterranean mazes have been disclosed."
(38) "And his triple crown shall be brought to naught." Cassel,
1616, alone reads "triple horn."
(39) The Latin adds: "and among them the Amphitheatral Comedian
hath a foremost place, a man right ingenious in imposition; and
such doth the Enemy, etc."
(40) "We speak unto you not by Parables."
(41) Latin: "but driven by the Spirit of God, commanded by the
Testament of our excellent Father and compelled by the Law of
our time."
(42) Latin: "lead a life worthy of a man."
(43) Latin: "you might after all meditate on the remedy together
with us, stretch out your hand to the work of God and serve the
Empire of your time?"
(44) Latin: "shall be brought to you united and collected as in
the center of the sun and moon. Then you could expel from world
all that obscures human knowledge and retards action, even as
all the eccentrics and epicycles."
(45) Latin: "But you, who are determined at least to satisfy
your curiosity."
(46) "now honest but by the unexpected opportunity of obtaining
such riches might be corrupted."
(47) Latin: "do not disturb our sacred silence with your clamour."
(48) Latin: "he shall sooner lose his life in searching for us
than attain felicity by finding us. The Fraternity of the R.C."